Friary has added to its percussion section with a new signing, Martin Davies.
Martin started playing percussion in 2009 through the Surrey Arts Tuning Up project but in his own words, ‘I didn't get stuck into brass banding until 2017 when I was asked to help Godalming Band at a local contest by Will Rowling’ (former Friary percussionist). That gave Martin the brass band bug and he remained with Godalming for the next two years. When he moved to Durham for university in 2019, Martin joined NASUWT Riverside, as well as Durham University Brass Band where he would remain with both ensembles for the next four years. In that time, Durham won UniBrass 2021, the first in-person band contest since March 2020, and he served as DUBB president 2022-2023. After finishing his degree, Martin bade farwell to Riverside and Durham and returned south for work.
Commenting on his appointment, Martin said: ‘I am delighted to join Friary Brass Band in their 40th year and am looking forward to a wide range of concerts and appearances at the National Finals and Brass in Concert. I must also give my thanks to NASUWT Riverside for 4 wonderful years of playing and crazy memories,’ he concluded.
Friary Chairman Dave Wicks added: ‘ We’re so pleased to have Martin with us. He’s a great player and brings with him plenty of experience from his time with Riverside.’